Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Traditional Karate Training in Seattle Since 1966
Washington Karate has been dedicated to cultivating individual excellence through traditional Karate-Do since 1966. Our programs emphasize ethical behavior, self-enlightenment, and community betterment while delivering state-of-the-art technical skills aligned with global standards. With over five decades of experience, we offer structured training for all ages, from Kinder Karate for children aged 3-5 to adult self-defense seminars. Our certified instructors prioritize character development, discipline, and physical safety in a supportive environment.We maintain partnerships with the International Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu Federation and operate childcare programs that integrate academic support with martial arts training. Our Seattle facility serves as a benchmark for traditional karate instruction, offering both in-person and online classes to accommodate diverse needs.
Services
Karate Training
Online Karate Classes
After School Program
Kinder Karate
Summer Camps
Self-Defense Seminars
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of traditional Karate-Do instruction in Seattle
- Experienced, full-time instructors with black belts up to 6th degree
- State-of-the-art facility with structured educational environment
- Family discounts available for multiple participants
- Community-focused programs combining martial arts with academic support
Associations and certifications
- International Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu Federation
What people say
Increase confidence
Self discipline
Calm under pressure
Friendly professional staff
Helpful homework assistance
Services
Karate Training
Our traditional Karate-Do program offers comprehensive training for ages 6+ since 1966. Classes develop physical skills, mental focus, and character through structured curriculum emphasizing respect, discipline, and technical excellence. Students progress from beginner fundamentals to advanced techniques in a safe, supportive environment that builds confidence and self-defense capabilities.
After School Program
This popular program combines academic support with karate training for elementary and middle school students. Transportation from 14 local schools, supervised study areas, and character development activities create a holistic after-school experience that enhances physical, mental, and emotional well-being through structured martial arts instruction.
Kinder Karate
Designed for ages 3-5, this introductory program uses games and activities to develop physical coordination, mental focus, and following directions. Through playful martial arts instruction, children build foundational skills that prepare them for our main karate program while improving motor skills and classroom readiness in a fun, engaging environment.
Summer Camps
Week-long summer camps for ages 5-14 combine martial arts training with recreational activities. From 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily, campers participate in karate classes, park visits, artistic projects, and team-building exercises that develop physical skills, social interaction, and confidence through structured summer programming.
Self-Defense Seminars
Intensive adult seminars teach practical self-defense fundamentals including situational awareness, evasion tactics, and defensive techniques. These short-term programs focus on real-world scenarios and physical safety strategies for non-martial artists, emphasizing practical application of karate principles in everyday situations through hands-on instruction.
People
Matthew Day
Instructor
6th degree black belt with 30+ years experience, former US National Karate Team member, and international champion. Combines martial arts expertise with music performance and gardening interests.
Sheryl Gutierrez
Instructor
5th degree black belt with 25+ years experience, holds PhD in Information Science, and founder of KATA Fund nonprofit. Integrates digital technology with traditional martial arts instruction.
Patrice Staiger
Instructor
4th degree black belt and retired family nurse practitioner, founding member of KATA Fund, combines medical expertise with martial arts instruction while pursuing fine arts and cycling.
Mary Kay Hilmoe
Instructor
4th degree black belt and award-winning veterinarian, brings animal care expertise to martial arts instruction while maintaining active involvement in local veterinary community.
Ken Ballenger
Instructor
3rd degree black belt with diverse background as former UW football captain, insurance professional, and competitive chainsaw carver applying athletic discipline to martial arts instruction.
Questions
What age groups do your karate programs serve?
We offer programs for children aged 3-5 (Kinder Karate), elementary/middle school students (After School Program), teens, and adults through specialized classes.
Do you offer online karate training options?
Yes, we provide live online karate classes for all levels since 2020, based on our traditional in-person curriculum developed since 1966.
Are after-school transportation services available?
Transportation is available from 14 Seattle schools including Broadview-Thomson, Cascadia, and Salmon Bay for our After School Program participants.
What summer camp options do you provide?
Our week-long summer camps run in July and August for ages 5-14, combining martial arts training with recreational activities from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Do you offer self-defense training for adults?
Yes, we conduct intensive adult self-defense seminars focusing on situational awareness, evasion tactics, and practical defensive techniques for non-martial artists.
How long has Washington Karate been operating?
We've been providing traditional Karate-Do instruction in Seattle since November 1966, with our Ballard Dojo relocating to Greenwood in 2004.
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